Name: Grilled Chicken Fajitas Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 2 h 50 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 3 chicken breasts; 2 bell peppers; 1 green bell pepper; 1 white onion; For Marinade:; 2 cloves garlic; ¼ cup cilantro; ¼ cup lime juice; ½ tsp cumin; 3 tbsp water; 3 tbsp olive oil; 1 tbsp soy sauce; Salt & Pepper; For Serving:; 8 flour tortillas; other desired toppings

Grilled chicken fajitas are a perfect blend of juicy chicken breasts and vibrant bell peppers wrapped in soft flour tortillas. This easy-to-make dish is packed with flavor, thanks to a zesty marinade that infuses every bite with deliciousness. It's a versatile meal that can be customized with your favorite toppings.

Photos of Grilled Chicken Fajitas Recipe

Some ingredients in this recipe might not be staples in your kitchen. For example, fresh cilantro adds a burst of freshness but can be an acquired taste. Lime juice is crucial for the marinade's tanginess, and soy sauce gives a unique umami depth. Make sure to grab these items if they're not already in your pantry.

Ingredients For Grilled Chicken Fajitas

Chicken breasts: The primary protein, providing a tender and juicy base for the fajitas.

Bell peppers: Red and green varieties bring sweetness and a slight bitterness that complements the chicken.

Green bell pepper: Adds a crisp texture and slightly bitter taste.

White onion: Provides a mild, sweet flavor that balances the other ingredients.

Garlic: Infuses the marinade with a rich, aromatic depth.

Cilantro: Adds fresh, citrusy notes to the dish.

Lime juice: Brings a tangy brightness to the marinade.

Cumin: Offers a warm, earthy flavor crucial for fajitas.

Water: Helps blend the marinade ingredients smoothly.

Olive oil: Ensures the chicken and vegetables stay moist and adds richness.

Soy sauce: Adds a savory umami flavor that enhances the overall taste.

Flour tortillas: The perfect vessel for holding the delicious fillings.

One reader, Chad Crump says:

This grilled chicken fajitas recipe is fantastic! The marinade infuses the chicken and veggies with incredible flavor. Grilling adds a perfect smoky touch. Easy to make and absolutely delicious. A new family favorite!

Chad Crump

Essential Techniques for Making Grilled Chicken Fajitas Recipe

How to whisk marinade ingredients: Combine all marinade ingredients in a bowl and whisk until smooth. How to marinate chicken and vegetables: Pour half of the marinade over the chicken and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Pour the remaining half of the marinade over the vegetables and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. How to preheat grill: Set the grill to medium heat and allow it to reach the desired temperature before cooking. How to cook chicken on grill: Place the marinated chicken on the grill and cook for 7 to 8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. How to grill vegetables: Add the marinated vegetables to the grill and cook until they are tender-crisp. How to slice chicken and peppers: Once cooked, slice the chicken breasts and bell peppers into strips. How to warm tortillas: Follow the package directions to warm the tortillas before serving.

How To Make Grilled Chicken Fajitas

Juicy slices of chicken are marinated in homemade fajita sauce then grilled & served on tortillas with onions & bell peppers for these chicken fajitas.

Preparation: 30 minutes

Cooking: 20 minutes

Marinate Time: 2 hours

Total: 2 hours 50 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

3chicken breasts
2bell peppers,halved
1green bell pepper,halved
1white onion,sliced

For Marinade:

2cloves garlic
¼cupcilantro
¼cuplime juice
½tspcumin
3tbspwater
3tbspolive oil
1tbspsoy sauce
salt & pepper,to taste

For Serving:

8flour tortillas,or corn tortillas, 6 in each
other desired toppings

Instructions

Whisk all marinade ingredients until smooth.
Pour ½ of the marinade over the chicken. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Pour remaining ½ of the marinade over the vegetables and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Preheat grill to medium heat. Cook chicken 7 to 8 minutes per side or until cooked through and chicken reaches 165 degrees F. Add vegetables to the grill and cook just until tender crisp.
Slice chicken and peppers.
Warm tortillas according to package directions. Fill tortillas with chicken, grilled peppers and desired toppings.

Nutrition

Calories: 651.14kcal
Fat: 29.99g
Saturated Fat: 6.13g
Trans Fat: 0.15g
Monounsaturated Fat: 16.15g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 5.82g
Carbohydrates: 58.26g
Fiber: 4.81g
Sugar: 7.43g
Protein: 36.79g
Cholesterol: 83.52mg
Sodium: 1035.70mg
Calcium: 198.06mg
Potassium: 690.60mg
Iron: 4.99mg
Vitamin A: 133.81µg
Vitamin C: 106.96mg

Helpful Technique Tip for Grilled Chicken Fajitas Recipe

To ensure your chicken breasts cook evenly and remain juicy, consider pounding them to an even thickness before marinating. This helps the chicken cook uniformly and absorb the marinade more effectively.

Time-Saving Tips for Making Grilled Chicken Fajitas

Marinate ahead: Prepare the marinade and marinate the chicken and vegetables the night before to save time on the day of cooking.

Pre-chop vegetables: Slice the bell peppers and onion in advance and store them in the refrigerator.

Use a grill pan: If you don't have an outdoor grill, a grill pan can cook both the chicken and vegetables simultaneously on the stovetop.

Warm tortillas together: Stack and wrap the tortillas in foil, then warm them all at once in the oven.

Substitute Ingredients For Grilled Chicken Fajitas Recipe

chicken breasts - Substitute with turkey breasts: Turkey breasts have a similar texture and can be grilled in the same way as chicken.
chicken breasts - Substitute with tofu: For a vegetarian option, tofu can absorb the marinade flavors well and provides a similar protein content.
bell peppers - Substitute with poblano peppers: Poblano peppers add a slightly smoky flavor and can be grilled similarly to bell peppers.
green bell pepper - Substitute with zucchini: Zucchini can be sliced and grilled, offering a similar texture and a mild flavor.
white onion - Substitute with red onion: Red onions provide a slightly sweeter flavor and can be grilled just like white onions.
garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots offer a milder garlic flavor and can be used in the marinade.
cilantro - Substitute with parsley: Parsley provides a fresh, slightly peppery flavor similar to cilantro.
lime juice - Substitute with lemon juice: Lemon juice offers a similar acidity and citrus flavor.
cumin - Substitute with ground coriander: Ground coriander has a warm, citrusy flavor that complements the other spices.
water - Substitute with chicken broth: Chicken broth adds extra flavor to the marinade.
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a high smoke point and a neutral flavor, making it suitable for grilling.
soy sauce - Substitute with tamari: Tamari is a gluten-free alternative to soy sauce with a similar umami flavor.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt provides a more complex flavor profile.
pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper offers a milder, slightly different flavor than black pepper.
flour tortillas - Substitute with corn tortillas: Corn tortillas are a gluten-free alternative and provide a different texture and flavor.
flour tortillas - Substitute with lettuce wraps: For a low-carb option, lettuce wraps can be used to hold the fajita fillings.

How to Beautifully Present Grilled Chicken Fajitas

Marinate the chicken and vegetables: Whisk all marinade ingredients until smooth. Pour half of the marinade over the chicken and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Pour the remaining half over the vegetables and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Grill to perfection: Preheat the grill to medium heat. Cook the chicken for 7 to 8 minutes per side or until cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F. Add the vegetables to the grill and cook until tender-crisp.
Slice and prepare: Slice the chicken and peppers into thin, even strips to ensure a consistent and elegant presentation.
Warm the tortillas: Heat the flour tortillas according to package directions to make them pliable and ready for filling.
Plating the fajitas: Arrange the sliced chicken and grilled peppers neatly on a large, flat serving platter. Place the warm tortillas in a separate basket lined with a clean cloth to keep them warm.
Garnish and serve: Provide a selection of desired toppings such as sour cream, guacamole, salsa, and shredded cheese in small, elegant bowls. Allow guests to customize their fajitas to their liking.
Final touches: Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro over the chicken and vegetables for a burst of color and freshness. Serve immediately to ensure the best flavor and texture.

Essential Tools for Making Grilled Chicken Fajitas

Whisk: Used to blend the marinade ingredients until smooth.
Mixing bowl: Needed to combine and hold the marinade.
Measuring cups: Essential for accurately measuring the lime juice, water, and olive oil.
Measuring spoons: Used to measure the cumin, soy sauce, salt, and pepper.
Garlic press: Handy for mincing the garlic cloves.
Cutting board: Provides a surface for slicing the chicken, bell peppers, and onion.
Chef's knife: Necessary for cutting the chicken, bell peppers, and onion.
Grill: Used to cook the chicken and vegetables.
Tongs: Helpful for turning the chicken and vegetables on the grill.
Meat thermometer: Ensures the chicken is cooked to the correct internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Serving platter: Used to hold the sliced chicken and vegetables before assembling the fajitas.
Tortilla warmer: Useful for warming the tortillas according to package directions.
Serving utensils: Needed for filling the tortillas with chicken, grilled peppers, and desired toppings.

Storing and Freezing Grilled Chicken Fajitas

To store leftover grilled chicken fajitas, let them cool to room temperature first. Then, place the chicken, peppers, and onions in an airtight container. Store the container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
If you want to freeze the leftovers, place the cooled grilled chicken, peppers, and onions in a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing to prevent freezer burn. Label the container with the date and contents. Freeze for up to 2-3 months.
To reheat frozen fajitas, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator. Once thawed, you can reheat the chicken and vegetables in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat them in the microwave, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
It's best to store the tortillas separately from the fajita filling. Keep the tortillas in their original packaging or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Store them at room temperature for up to a week or in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
If you have leftover marinade, discard it. Do not reuse marinade that has been in contact with raw chicken to avoid the risk of foodborne illness.

How To Reheat Leftover Grilled Chicken Fajitas

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap the leftover chicken, peppers, and onions in aluminum foil and place them in the oven for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. This method helps to retain the moisture in the ingredients and prevents them from drying out.
If you have a microwave-safe dish with a lid, you can reheat your leftover fajitas in the microwave. Place the chicken, peppers, and onions in the dish, cover it with the lid or plastic wrap (leaving a small vent for steam to escape), and microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. Stir the ingredients halfway through the reheating process to ensure even heating.
For a quick and easy method, reheat your leftover fajitas in a skillet on the stovetop. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in the skillet over medium heat, then add the chicken, peppers, and onions. Stir the ingredients frequently and cook until they are heated through, which should take about 5 minutes. This method allows you to quickly reheat the ingredients while also adding a slight crispiness to the vegetables.
If you have access to a grill, you can reheat your leftover fajitas by wrapping them in aluminum foil and placing them on the grill over medium heat. Grill the wrapped fajitas for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through. This method helps to infuse the ingredients with a smoky flavor and maintains the original grilled taste.
To reheat the tortillas, wrap them in aluminum foil and place them in the oven alongside the other ingredients for the last 5 minutes of reheating. Alternatively, you can wrap the tortillas in damp paper towels and microwave them for 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until they are warm and pliable.

Interesting Fact About Grilled Chicken Fajitas

A fun fact about this grilled chicken fajitas recipe is that the marinade not only adds flavor but also helps to tenderize the chicken. The lime juice in the marinade contains acids that break down the proteins in the chicken, making it more tender and juicy when cooked.

Is Making Grilled Chicken Fajitas at Home Cost-Effective?

This grilled chicken fajitas recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The main ingredients, such as chicken breasts, bell peppers, and flour tortillas, are relatively affordable and widely available. The marinade components like garlic, cilantro, and lime juice are also inexpensive. For a household of 4, the approximate cost is around $15-$20 USD. Considering the flavor, nutrition, and ease of preparation, I would rate this recipe an 8 out of 10.

Are Grilled Chicken Fajitas Healthy or Unhealthy?

This grilled chicken fajitas recipe has both healthy and unhealthy aspects. On the positive side, it includes lean protein from the chicken breasts and a variety of colorful vegetables like bell peppers and onions, which provide essential vitamins and minerals. The marinade also incorporates healthy ingredients such as garlic, cilantro, lime juice, and olive oil, which offer anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. However, the recipe falls short in a few areas. The use of flour tortillas adds refined carbohydrates and may increase the overall calorie count. Additionally, the recipe doesn't specify the amount of salt and pepper used, which could lead to excessive sodium intake if not monitored carefully.

To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:

Swap the flour tortillas for whole-grain or corn tortillas to increase the fiber content and reduce refined carbohydrates
Use low-sodium soy sauce to control the salt content of the marinade
Add more vegetables to the fajitas, such as sliced zucchini, mushrooms, or carrots, to boost the nutrient density of the dish
Serve the fajitas with a side of fresh salsa or guacamole, which provide additional vitamins and healthy fats
Opt for Greek yogurt instead of sour cream as a topping to reduce the saturated fat content and increase the protein

Editor's Opinion on This Grilled Chicken Fajitas Recipe

This grilled chicken fajitas recipe is a delightful blend of flavors and textures. The marinade, with its zesty lime juice and aromatic cilantro, infuses the chicken and vegetables with a vibrant taste. Grilling adds a smoky depth, while the cumin and soy sauce provide a subtle complexity. The balance of tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and warm tortillas creates a satisfying meal. For an extra touch, consider adding toppings like avocado, sour cream, or a sprinkle of cheese. Overall, it's a versatile and crowd-pleasing dish perfect for any occasion.

Enhance Your Grilled Chicken Fajitas Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Mexican Street Corn Salad: Imagine a vibrant corn salad bursting with flavors of lime, cilantro, and a hint of chili powder. This side dish adds a zesty crunch that perfectly complements the smoky grilled chicken fajitas.

Black Bean and Mango Salsa: A refreshing salsa that combines the earthiness of black beans with the tropical sweetness of mango. This colorful side dish brings a delightful contrast to the savory fajitas.

Cilantro Lime Rice: Fluffy rice infused with the bright flavors of cilantro and lime. This aromatic side dish serves as a perfect base to soak up the delicious juices from the grilled chicken and vegetables.

Spicy Avocado Crema: A creamy avocado dip with a kick of jalapeño and a squeeze of lime. This luscious side dish adds a rich, tangy layer to your fajitas, making each bite even more indulgent.

Churros with Chocolate Sauce: End your meal on a sweet note with crispy churros dusted in cinnamon sugar and served with a decadent chocolate sauce. This dessert side dish provides a delightful contrast to the savory main course.

Similar Recipes to Try If You Love Grilled Chicken Fajitas

Chicken Tacos: Imagine sinking your teeth into juicy chicken tacos, bursting with flavor from a zesty marinade. Pair them with fresh avocado, salsa, and a squeeze of lime for a fiesta in your mouth!

Steak Fajitas: Savor the rich, smoky taste of grilled steak fajitas. Marinated to perfection, these fajitas are complemented by sautéed bell peppers and onions, all wrapped in warm tortillas.

Shrimp Quesadillas: Dive into the delightful combination of succulent shrimp and melted cheese in these crispy quesadillas. Add a touch of cilantro and lime for an extra burst of flavor.

Vegetarian Burritos: Enjoy a hearty and wholesome meal with vegetarian burritos packed with seasoned black beans, rice, and a medley of grilled vegetables. Top it off with guacamole and sour cream.

Pork Carnitas: Indulge in tender, slow-cooked pork carnitas, seasoned with a blend of spices. Serve with warm tortillas, pico de gallo, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for an unforgettable meal.

Appetizers and Desserts That Pair Well with Grilled Chicken Fajitas Recipe

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: Elevate your appetizer game with these delectable Stuffed Mushrooms. Imagine plump mushroom caps filled with a savory blend of cream cheese, garlic, and herbs. The mushrooms are baked to perfection, resulting in a golden, bubbly topping that will have your guests reaching for more. Serve these alongside your Grilled Chicken Fajitas for a harmonious start to your meal.

Bruschetta: Add a touch of Italian flair to your meal with Bruschetta. Crisp toasted baguette slices are topped with a vibrant mix of diced tomatoes, fresh basil, and garlic, all drizzled with extra virgin olive oil. This refreshing and flavorful appetizer pairs beautifully with the smoky notes of your Grilled Chicken Fajitas, creating a delightful contrast that will tantalize your taste buds.

Desserts:

Chocolate Lava Cake: Indulge in the richness of a Chocolate Lava Cake. Imagine a decadent molten center that oozes out as you take your first bite. This dessert is perfect for those who crave intense chocolate flavors. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to balance the richness. Garnish with a sprinkle of powdered sugar and a few fresh berries for a touch of elegance.

Lemon Meringue Pie: Delight in the zesty freshness of a Lemon Meringue Pie. This dessert features a tangy lemon filling that sits atop a buttery crust, all crowned with a fluffy meringue. The contrast between the tart lemon and the sweet meringue creates a harmonious balance of flavors. Serve it chilled for a refreshing end to your meal. A few lemon zest curls on top can add a sophisticated touch.

Why trust this Grilled Chicken Fajitas Recipe:

This grilled chicken fajitas recipe is a must-try for its perfect balance of flavors and ease of preparation. The marinade infuses the chicken with a zesty blend of lime juice, cilantro, and garlic, ensuring each bite is bursting with taste. Grilling the bell peppers and onion adds a smoky depth that complements the tender chicken. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe guarantees a delicious and satisfying meal every time.

Share your thoughts on the Grilled Chicken Fajitas Recipe in the Recipe Sharing forum and let us know how it turned out for you!

FAQ:

How long should I marinate the chicken and vegetables?

I recommend marinating the chicken for at least 2 hours and the vegetables for at least 1 hour. This gives them enough time to soak up all the flavors.

Can I use a different type of meat for this recipe?

Absolutely! You can substitute the chicken with beef, shrimp, or even tofu if you prefer a vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking times accordingly.

What toppings go well with grilled chicken fajitas?

Some great toppings include sour cream, guacamole, shredded cheese, salsa, and chopped fresh cilantro. Feel free to get creative with your favorites!

Can I cook this recipe without a grill?

Yes, you can use a grill pan or a regular skillet on the stovetop. Just make sure to cook the chicken thoroughly and get a nice char on the vegetables.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F. You can use a meat thermometer to check this. The juices should also run clear when you cut into the chicken.